Grace Episcopal Church
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​Who We Are

Clergy And Staff
Grace is led by a team of 9 elected representatives to our Vestry, along with Officers and the Rector.
Our staff supports the Rector in facilitating ministry, worship and care for the whole congregation.

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The Reverend Scott Painter, Rector

Scott joined Grace Episcopal Church in the fall of 2018. Prior to his ministry as a Priest, Scott served as a pastor in another church and then taught English in public and private high schools for many years. He holds degrees from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, The University of Houston and the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. Scott served as Curate at St. Stephen’s, Houston, before coming to Grace.
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The Reverend Leah Wise, Curate

The Rev. Deacon Leah Wise joined Grace in July, 2022.  She earned her Masters of Divinity degree from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale.
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The Reverend Dawn Shepler, Deacon

Dawn sensed a call to be a Deacon in 2009 while living in North Carolina.  She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Illif School of Theology and was ordained in the Diocese of Colorado in 2017 while serving as a chaplain in Missouri. Dawn is a licensed Chaplain serving mental health patients in Harris County.  At Grace, Dawn’s ministry is centered on serving, outreach, and pastoral care. 
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The Reverend Dr. Alejandro Montes, ​Assisting Priest

The Reverend Dr. Alejandro Montes is originally from Peru and is a retired priest of the Episcopal Church. He served as the Vicar and then Rector of San Mateo Iglesia Episcopal for more than 20 years.  He joined Grace in 2019.
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Paul English, Music Director

Paul English is an internationally recognized composer, pianist, producer and educator. He has performed and recorded with such jazz greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Arnett Cobb, Kirk Whalum and David Liebman and he has produced a number of jazz and classical recordings, including a 2009 collaboration with country legends Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Johnny Bush and a 2010 CD, Bring Him Home, a debut recording for lyric tenor, Todd Miller, and Hour of Tranquility for mezzo-soprano Sonja Bruzauskas (2015).
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Candice Harris, Acting Director of School

Candice’s responsibilities focus on the day-to-day operations of the school: compliance with all Federal, State and Local regulations, maintaining safety and building security protocols, staffing/training, and curriculum/instruction. Candice is a licensed daycare director in the State of Texas.
Candice@graceinhouston.org
Learn More About Grace Episcopal School

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Elizabeth Martin, School Administrator

Elizabeth is an experienced administrative assistant who has worked in social services with special needs adults. She has worked in several different environments building efficient work systems and streamlining communications. Elizabeth, her partner, Bill, and their children attend Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Houston. She is happy to serve on the team at Grace as we grow and serve our community.
Schoolstaff@graceinhouston.org

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Ivy Mena, Facilities & Tech Assistant/Office Manager

Italivi Mena (Ivy) grew up in the Braeswood neighborhood in Southwest Houston. They attended Longfellow Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, and graduated from Bellaire High School. Ivy started working in the food industry at a young age and later found their passion for working with animals. They have worked at nearby clinics in the neighborhood as a Veterinarian Technician, and now they serve as both the Sunday Facilities & Tech Assistant and the Office Manager at Grace.

​When not working, Ivy is either at school studying Microbiology or enjoying their leisure time by spending it at the library reading about astrology and politics. They feel welcome at Grace Episcopal Church. It reminds them of the warmth and acceptance they felt from the church they attended at a young age. They are happy to be here in such a friendly environment and can't wait to see what the future has in store for them.

For tech-related inquiries: SundayAssistant@graceinhouston.org
For office inquiries: Office@graceinhouston.org

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Mario Ruiz, Sexton

Mario has served the Grace community for more than 20 years. He works to take care of our building and campus for the church and school. Mario loves football and especially the Dallas Cowboys.

Vestry

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Contact Us

4040 W. Bellfort Ave. Houston, TX 77025
832.667-8601
office@graceinhouston.org

Worship

Sundays: Main Service - 10am
Evening Service - 5:30pm​ 
Wednesdays: 11:30am 

Grace Connect

Log in to Grace Episcopal Connect to access your personal profile, register for events and volunteer opportunities, and much more.
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© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
​Grace Episcopal Church is in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
  • Home
  • Visit
  • About
    • Our History
    • Our Vision & Values
    • Clergy and Staff >
      • Staff Bios
    • The Rector's Notes
    • Parish Day School
  • Worship
    • Worship With Us
    • Listen to Sermons
  • Community
    • Ministries and Service
    • Tree of Life Labyrinth
    • News + Updates
  • Connect
  • Giving
    • Stewardship 2022
  • Community Login